On Sunday, April 19, we will dedicate several native red chokeberry bushes newly planted on the grounds of St. Mark. These plants replace invasive, non-native shrubs that were removed and will help support butterflies and other pollinators that depend on native plants for their life cycle.

Planting native species is a small but meaningful way to care for God’s creation. The flowers feed pollinators in spring, the plants support developing butterflies in summer, and the berries nourish birds in the fall. Through such simple acts we participate in the healing and renewal of the earth.

Martin Luther once said that God writes the Gospel not only in the Bible but also on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. When we plant and tend the living world around us, we learn again to read that Gospel in creation.

We give thanks to Jessica and Jeff, who generously donated these bushes to St. Mark. On April 19 we will offer a brief blessing for them, praying that they may flourish and that our care for the earth may reflect our gratitude to the Creator.